Countdown to Commencement: 164 Days As of February 1, there are 164 days until Commencement on July 13, 2012 in Albany, NY. If you've never participated in a Commencement, you can walk this year. As an alumnus, you are eligible to participate at any time, but only once.

The No Sweat Job Interview Web Chat Don't let your nerves keep you from getting the job. Join in on Tuesday, February, 21 from 8 – 9 PM, as our career consultant, Ed Hallenbeck, shares tips and strategies for keeping your cool during that all important job interview. Register today.

Did You Miss It? If you're interested in learning how to establish manageable goals to ensure the success of your long-term plans, check out last month's career Web chat, "Ready, Set, Goal!" with Alumni Advisory Board Secretary JoAnne Ellsworth, BA '87.

School of Business & Technology Web Chat On Wed., Feb. 22, 2012 from 7 – 8 PM ET, Maribeth Gunner Pulliam, Excelsior's Career Services coordinator, will present "Tools and Techniques for the Job Interview," geared specifically toward business and technology alumni. This interactive session will help you take your interviewing skills to the next level and stand out among competing candidates. To attend the chat, log in and enter as Guest. You will be able to hear the presentation and type your questions in the chat area. If you want to participate orally as well, log in and dial 1- 866-394-2346 then enter 7537908954. Be sure to mute your computer or you will hear an echo.

Alumni Lunch & Learn Event in New York StateIn March, the College is hosting an Alumni Lunch and Learn in Binghamton, NY. If you live in New York's Southern Tier or near the New York – Pennsylvania border, we hope you'll join us for this informative networking opportunity. Look for an invitation in your email in-box soon!

Announcing Two New MBA ConcentrationsThe Master of Business Administration program will launch two new concentrations this month—Social Media Management and Human Resources Management. Social Media Management will provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively explore strategies in building community, maintaining a brand, and creating engaging Web content. Human Resource Management will provide students with the knowledge and skills required of human resource managers who deal with human capital issues, challenges, and opportunities on a daily basis. For more information on how Excelsior's MBA program can help you achieve your professional goals, contact an Academic Advisor at 888-647-2388, ext.1331.

We ♥ EC Alumni: Valentine's Discount During the month of February, receive 10% off your purchase of EC apparel. Show some love for your alma mater! Order now—this offer is only good until February 29.

Ambassadors Spotlight: Lawrence Pleasants, AAB '01, BSL '11 & Sandra Howard-Pleasants, BSL '11 In honor of Valentine's Day, we're highlighting one of our many Excelsior couples, Lawrence and Sandra Howard-Pleasants, our Alumni Ambassadors from Virginia. Lawrence and Sandra both earned bachelor's degrees in 2011 and walked at Commencement together. As Alumni Ambassadors, they are looking forward to meeting other Excelsior graduates at the Washington, DC alumni event this spring. See a photo of Sandra and Lawrence wearing their EC gear at the 2011 New Graduate Breakfast and Alumni Association Annual Meeting. Are you an Excelsior alumni couple? We want to know!

Do You Have a "Novel" Idea? Hudson Whitman/Excelsior College Press is accepting submissions for nonfiction books and other projects in the following areas of focus: health care; military; business and technology; education; and American culture and society. Check out Hudson Whitman's submission guidelines or contact Press Director, Sue Petrie.